I have two Howa-built rifles...
A Howa Axiom, .223 with 24" heavy barrel and a S&W 1500, .30-06. Howa (rifles built in Japan) has a great reputation for quality built, accurate rifles... at a reasonable price.

For the Axiom, I purchased the barreled-action and stock separately so, I was able to keep the price under $550.00. With a Mueller 8.5-32x44 target dot scope and Warne rings (weighs 12-13 lbs), it's strickly a bench gun.